Father, son arrested in Westmoreland County drug operation

Pictured is Leon Pratt Jr. who was arrested Sunday night for running a drug operation in Westmoreland County with his son.

Pictured is Ahkeem D. Pratt who was arrested Sunday night for running a drug operation in Westmoreland County with his father.

By Cesca Waterfield, Editor

A North Carolina father and son are in jail after being arrested Sunday night for running a drug operation in Westmoreland County. Leon N. Pratt Jr., 43, and Ahkeem D. Pratt, 21, both of Fayetteville, N.C. are being held at the Northern Neck Regional Jail without bond.

According to Westmoreland Sheriff C.O. Balderson, undercover law enforcement made a drug purchase from the two men on Sunday evening around 6 p.m. When they attempted to arrest the pair, the men gave chase in a Ford F-150, Leon behind the wheel.

“During that chase, there were items that were being discharged from the F-150,” said Sheriff Balderson.

After the truck struck a light pole, police were able to stop the vehicle in the Newland area of Richmond County.

The driver has been charged with felony distribution of cocaine involving a second or subsequent offense, distribution of marijuana, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, felony eluding, obstruction of justice, hit and run and damage to property worth more than $1,000.

His son is charged with distribution of cocaine, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

The pair’s connection to Westmoreland County is unclear. “We don’t have any connection with them having relatives in [Westmoreland County],” said Sheriff Balderson.

The arrest is the result in part from a citizen tip, according to Sheriff Balderson. “We continuously want individuals to contact us to give us information on any illegal drug activity, or any criminal activity, for that matter. All the information that we receive is used to apprehend these individuals who want to conduct this kind of activity.”

Westmoreland’s first narcotics K-9 deputy, Zena, assisted in the undercover operation conducted by The Tri-County Drug Taskforce which includes the Westmoreland, King George and Caroline sheriff’s offices, Virginia State Police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Services.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office also helped in this case, which is still under investigation.